What brought on these cones? What was I imagining? What did I hope the viewer would feel?
My O Mar Sagrado statement:
I invite you to walk through my water, O Mar Sagrado, that has made a path for you. Feel the tug of the current on your legs as you look up, down and through the depths to catch a glimpse of Yemanja. Siren of the Sea. She is out there waiting for you. Go. Find her. Say your prayer. She will listen.
Inspiration for the Art Installation
O Mar Sagrado was inspired by my many trips to Salvador over the years. In 2007 I participated in the Festa de Yemanja in Salvador, an annual celebration that takes place on the shoreline in a neighborhood called Rio Vermelho.
I was dazzled and drawn in by the jewel like sparkle of the water created by the brilliant sunlight and the mysterious currents. Baskets filled with perfume, mirrors, baubles, dolls and colorful trinkets were loaded onto boats held by men knee deep in the waters. Currents made circle eights around their legs. Once loaded the boats went out to sea and baskets were tossed high into the air. Color fanned out across the bluest of skies to softly land and be pulled under the water.
Process for the Art Installation
I printed four 20 foot rolls of Japanese hosho paper with a waxed based medium and pigment. (Encaustic) Each cone was individually cut and glued into its shape. Cones were suspended from the ceiling and a used fishing net by 12lb fishing line.
Gratitude
Thank you Conceicao Damasceno for providing me with the space and having the confidence in me for my first installation. I have been thinking about this for 5 years!
I could not have done this work without Dee Bell who in her charming and kind way cut and glued cones, kept me on track and opened my mind to new ways of creating my vision. I won’t forget her sweet words of, “Francesca, what if you just kind of toss the line over the net…” Brilliant this Dee.
Halfway through the week long installation Kriss Raupach came on board and things started to fly. Thank you.
Thank you Ave for being the go to, positive and practical person.
Endless thank you to the community at Casa de Cultura. Abracao.
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